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1710 ‘Christ.. . makes manfully manif est to man himself and brings to light his exalted vocation’ (GS 22 §i). 1711 Endowed with a spiritual soul, with intellect
and with free will, the human person is from his very
conception ordered to God and destined for eternal
beatitude. He pursues his perfection in ‘seeking and
loving what is true and good’ (GS 15 ). 1712 In man, true freedom is an ‘outstanding
manifestation of the divine image’ (GS 17). 1713 Man is obliged to follow the moral law, which
urges him ‘to do what is good and avoid what is
evil’ (cf GS i6). This law makes itself heard in his
conscience. 1714 Man, having been wounded in his nature by
original sin, is subject to error and inclined to evil in
exercising his freedom. 1715 He who believes in Christ has new life in the
Holy Spirit. The moral life, increased and brought to
maturity in grace, is to reach itsfulfilment in the glory of
heaven.
1716 The Beatitudes are at the heart of
Jesus’ preaching. They take up the promises made to the
chosen people since Abraham. The Beatitudes fulfil the
promises by ordering them no longer merely to the possession
of a territory, but to the Kingdom of heaven:
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall
be comforted. Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
sons of God. Blessed are those who are
persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.
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